Queen`s speech to get tough on immigration to UK

London: Queen Elizabeth II is set to announce tougher curbs on immigration into the UK, aimed at deporting foreign criminals and those who enter the country illegally.

The Queen`s Speech, which marks the State Opening of Parliament, allows the government to set out its proposed bills for the next parliamentary session and will be read out by the 87-year-old monarch at a special gathering of the House of Lords and Commons here today.

The list of bills for 2013 will include a parliamentary bill aimed at making it easier to deport foreign criminals and those who enter the UK illegally.

"We want to attract people who will add to our national life, and those who will not should be deterred," the Queen is expected to say, speaking on behalf of the government during the traditional parliamentary ceremony.
She will add that the bill "will further reform the immigration system by tightening immigration law, strengthening our enforcement powers and clamping down on those from overseas who abuse our public services".

If passed, the new bill would also ensure illegal immigrants cannot get driving licences, and change the rules so private landlords have to check their tenants` immigration status.

Businesses that use illegal foreign labour would face bigger fines, immigrant access to the National Health Service (NHS) will be regulated and temporary migrants will be expected to make a contribution.
The immigration bill`s publication comes a week after the extraordinary success in local elections across England of the far-right UK Independence Party (UKIP), which campaigns to cut net migration.

British Prime Minister David Cameron will also address the lawmakers.

Also due to be announced as part of the speech is a National Insurance Contributions Bill, which will cut the cost of recruiting new employees, and a Social Care Bill to cap old age care costs.

Meanwhile, a Pensions Bill will create a flat-rate pension, which ministers claim will encourage savings and help women who have had long career breaks.

Measures conspicuous by their absence include initial plans to force cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging and those to set a minimum price for alcohol in the country.
PTI